Lavina Grace Apland was born to Grant and Ada (Hart) Van Valzah on Nov. 2, 1912 in Madison, S.D. As a young child she moved with her parents to the Slayton area where she was raised and received her education, graduating from Lake Wilson High School in 1930. After her graduation she attended school for nurses training in Slayton. After completing her education, she became employed in Home Health Care Services and was also a cook for the Mint Cafe in Slayton for 11 years.

She married Wallace N. Apland on Aug. 9, 1948 at her parents' home in Slayton. Following their marriage they resided on a farm in Rock County, near Jasper. In 1966, they moved to Turlock, Calif. due to Wallace's health. Wallace preceded her in death on June 5, 1971.

After his death she moved to Westbrook to be near her sister and other relatives.

In 1978 Lavina moved to the Storybrook Apartments in Pipestone until 1984 when she moved back to Westbrook.

On Aug. 23, 2002 she became a resident of the Westbrook Good Samaritan Center.